Wylie homeowners will pay a higher property tax rate after the City Council voted 6-0 on Sept. 8 to adopt a $183,481,790 budget for fiscal year 2026-27.

The council set the tax rate at $0.596554 per $100 of assessed valuation, the city's voter-approval rate. That is about 5 cents higher than the previous year's rate. Before the vote, the city estimated the increase would add roughly $317 a year to the average homestead tax bill.

The budget is expected to raise $3,597,838 more in total property tax revenue than the previous year, an increase of 8.14%. Of that, $722,985 would come from property added to the tax rolls.

Finance Director Melissa Brown explained the rate increase at the Sept. 8 meeting, as reported by the Wylie News.

"Wylie's overall assessed valuation decreased by approximately $100 million, causing the city's no-new-revenue rate to rise by a little more than 1 cent," Brown said.

The remaining increase covers additional maintenance and operations costs and debt tied in part to the city's 2021 voter-approved bond program. The budget spans operating, debt service and capital accounts.

Costco clears final hurdle

At the same meeting, the council unanimously approved a zoning change that clears the way for a Costco Wholesale development on about 25.5 acres at 2002 W. FM 544.

The project calls for a wholesale retail store, tire and battery repair services, and a member-only fueling station. The Wylie Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval on Aug. 18, changing the site's zoning from Agricultural and Commercial Corridor to Commercial Corridor with a Special Use Permit.

Mayor Matthew Porter presided over the Aug. 25 meeting where the council approved a preliminary plat for the 25.484-acre site on a 6-0 consent vote. The property is part of the WEDC Retail Addition.

The next regular Wylie City Council meeting is Tuesday, Sept. 22.